Charlotte, N.C. (November 25, 2013) - Charlotte Lacrosse LLC announced today that Fireball Whisky has signed on as an Official Partner of the Charlotte Hounds. Elements of the partnership include hospitality, promotions, events, print, social media and the launch of The Fireball Cup rivalry series.

Fireball will host a preseason gathering with the Royal Legion of the Hound, a fan loyalist group known for standing and cheering in a section tagged as The Kennel. The goal of the event is to attract new fans, grow the fan base and bolster the Home Field Advantage.

Feeding on the popularity of tailgating for Hounds games, the Hounds and Fireball are launching a cornhole tournament series, featuring cash and prizes, at partner establishments leading up to the 2014 season. A final showdown for a grand prize will take place prior to the last regular season home game.

Charlotte and Ohio, the 2012 Major League Lacrosse expansion teams, will now play bi-annually for The Fireball Cup, a traveling trophy awarded to the winner of the game. For the game played in Charlotte, the Hounds will partner with a local Fire Station on a fundraiser via ticket sales.

“This partnership makes so much sense on so many levels,” said Jim McPhilliamy, President of the Charlotte Hounds. “Everyone that knows the Hounds, loves the Hounds and it’s rare to find partner brands with the same cache and market appeal,” McPhilliamy said. “Many of our players asked us to reach out to Fireball to become an official team partner after they hosted last year’s Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game Player Party. Just a perfect love-love partnership of two awesome brands.” Wade Leaphart, Hounds Vice President and General Manager, added, “Fireball delivers a tastebud sensation similar to Sawyer’s world record 114 mph lacrosse shot. What’s not to like about that. Hounds and Fireball, two hot brands. Great partnership.”

About Charlotte Hounds

In January 2011, Major League Lacrosse announced a league expansion for the 2012 season that included Columbus, OH and Charlotte, NC. The team began play in April 2012 at historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. In their first season, the Hounds averaged 5,700 in attendance and finished with a 5-9 record as an expansion team. Based on first year success, the Hounds were awarded the 2013 MLL All-Star Game. In 2013, the Hounds finished 7-7 in the regular season, claiming the fourth and final MLL playoff spot. In the semifinals, the Hounds knocked off the previously undefeated Denver Outlaws 17-14 to advance to the Championship game, losing to the defending Champion Chesapeake Bayhawks 10-9.